Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag blames poor start to season on injury woes - 'It holds us back in our levels'

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Erik ten Hag feels Manchester United are being held back by their current injury predicament, which saw nine players sidelined in their UEFA Europa League clash with Fenerbahce on Thursday. United sit 12th in the Premier League table, while they have yet to win in the Europa League. Antony became the latest addition to the list of unavailable players after he was stretchered off on Thursday.

Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase

Image credit: Getty Images

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag said the club's current injury woes "hold us back", with their list of absentees growing into double figures.

Antony was stretchered off during United's 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, compounding Ten Hag's selection problems with Bruno Fernandes suspended as well as injuries to key players including Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire.

Ten Hag said that his side's injury predicament is a contributing factor to their lowly league position.

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"Yes, it holds us back in our levels and also in our position in the league," Ten Hag said. "When you don’t have the players available, you can't line up the best team."

United's shortage of options was highlighted by the deployment of Noussair Mazraoui in an unfamiliar attacking role, while the need for a recognised, senior left-back still remains an issue.

Luke Shaw remains out with a long-term injury, while Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans and Leny Yoro have also been sidelined ahead of their Sunday's clash at West Ham United.

"We need more players available often," Ten Hag added. "We all have to work together on this point - the players, the coaching staff and all the other staff.

"We have to do better at that because we know when we have them we are a really tough team to play and we can be really successful."

United's tough start to the season included a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in September.

That result stands as United's only defeat in their last 10 outings in all competitions, and Ten Hag said the chastening loss was "not a fair assessment" of his team - after Bruno Fernandes' early red card was ruled incorrect in a post-match review by a disciplinary panel, rescinding his suspension.

Highlights: Mourinho sent off in high-octane draw between Fenerbahce & Man Utd

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I deny that game," Ten Hag said. "I ignore that game against Spurs because we were downsized to 10 and the red card was overturned.

"It is not a fair assessment of the team to take this into consideration because we didn’t have the chance to bounce back. Of course, it was a tough first half, but in that period I also remember some very good chances.

"But you see this team is resilient and determined. Against Brentford and in tough away games, this team has showed character, fighting spirit and determination to win games."

United could secure back-to-back league victories for the first time this season with a win at the London Stadium.

TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024-25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+.

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